Medical Specialists Will Support Demographic Bonus: President Jokowi
President Jokowi at the launching at Harapan Kita Hospital, Jakarta, Monday (05/06). (Photo by: PR/Jay)
Medical specialists will support country’s demographic bonus, which is estimated to occur in the next 10-15 years, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.
When the demographic bonus is realized, he added, Indonesia will have 68 percent population of productive age.
“Nevertheless, 68 percent population of productive age would be useless if their health is poor and we are really working hard on preparing such a program,” the President said during the launching of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo launched of hospital-based education for medical specialist at Harapan Kita hospital in Jakarta, Monday (05/06).
Although the Government has sent medical equipment such as MRI and mammogram equipment to remote regions across the country over the last six months, President Jokowi noted that the number of medical specialists remains woefully low.
“Citing statement of Minister of Health, there are only 24 medical faculties and 420 hospitals,” he said, adding that Indonesia can only produce 2,700 medical specialists with the current need at 29,000.
The Head of State also stated that Indonesia is ranked 147th in the world and 9th in ASEAN in terms of doctor/population ratio with 0.47 doctor per 1000 population.
“Yet, the distribution of doctors also remains uneven since 59 percent of medical specialists reside in the island of Java, especially in the cities. Hence, there should be a breakthrough.” the President remarked. (KS/ABD) (GWH/EP)
